travel

There's probably nothing better than the mountains in summer. The days are hot and sunny and the nights are cool with that perfect temperature for sleeping in a tent. Lake Tahoe really comes alive in the summer months with various outdoor sports and special events. Even though this list could go on ad infinitum, we narrowed it down to the top 50.

Sure, San Francisco is great. But when you're itching for an adventure, check out some of the area's hottest getaways—some are closer to home than you might think. Here are this year's most popular destinations, new hotels, restaurants, and more.

The natural volcanic hot springs in Calistoga were originally discovered by the Wappo tribe more than 500 years ago; their rumored healing powers remain a draw today, along with venerable wineries, classy eateries, and luxury resorts. Knowing this, we have just two words to describe this gem of a town: Napa, who?

As San Franciscans, we've all been to Tahoe—skiing in the winter, Truckee River in the summer, and all kinds of adventures in between. As the snow melts and more trails open up, it’s the perfect time to pack the car, head east, and do some hiking around our favorite crystal blue lake.

If someone told you could quit your job to hit the open road for three months of vagabonding, would you do it? Well, your excuse is no longer, "That's financially impossible," thanks to the Off-Season Project.

We’re all in agreement that San Francisco is one of the very best urban spots you could ever choose to live in. But ever now and then, we have to admit that these city mice have to get out into the country. Need a break from late buses, brunch lines, and your rent? Here are five gorgeous spots to camp out this weekend.

The Lake Tahoe area itself is a group of tiny towns around a large, blue lake and there are many ways you can experience small town life while visiting the area. However, on your way to and from Lake Tahoe there are additional small towns scattered around the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Virginia Range that are also worth checking out…especially this fall.

It's no secret that the travel experience often leaves much to be desired. What's meant to be leisurely and stress-free is anything but. With the holiday travel season right around the corner, we wanted to share a few trends we'd like to see from the travel industry.

For those with perpetual wanderlust, a new SF-based website, StyleVISA, can provide a temporary travel fix. The site features finds from France, Sweden, New Zealand, Japan, Africa, Mexico, Tunisia, Canada and across the US, ranging from home goods to skincare to accessories. Each product has a story and a complimentary Tumblr blog extends the StyleVISA trip via inspirational world photography.

So many of us venture over a bridge or down the windy Highway 1 for weekend escapes. But how about saving some gas and spending a few easy-going hours in San Francisco's coastal neighbor, Pacifica? Just 15 miles south of the city, and founded at the same time as San Francisco, in 1769, by Spanish explorers, Pacifica is a sleepy coastal town with bohemian charm and many hidden gems. Sleepy yes, boring no. Even though Pacifica means “peaceful” in Spanish, it's fast growing as a surf town and affordable staycation destination.